Global sea ice cover hit record low in February, say scientists

The extent of global sea ice has reached a record low in February 2025, a concerning symptom of the planet’s warming trend due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

This unprecedented decline underscores the accelerating impacts of climate change on polar regions.

Arctic sea ice extent was approximately 8 per cent below the 1991–2020 average for February. Notably, an extreme heat anomaly led to temperatures rising over 20°C above normal in certain Arctic areas, contributing to significant ice melt, the Guardian reported.

In the Antarctic, sea ice extent was about 26 per cent below the 1991–2020 average for February, marking one of the most substantial deviations from average conditions observed in recent years, said the report.

According to reports, February 2025 was the third-warmest February on record globally, with temperatures 1.59°C above pre-industrial levels. This persistent warmth has been linked to various extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones and unusual temperature fluctuations across different regions.

Scientists have highlighted the record low global sea ice extent in February 2025 as particularly alarming, because it draws attention to the extreme heat anomaly in the Arctic at the start of February that caused temperatures to soar more than 20°C above average, surpassing the melting threshold for ice.

Why this record is alarming

Ice–albedo feedback: Ice reflects sunlight, helping cool the planet. Its loss exposes darker ocean surfaces, which absorb more heat, accelerating global warming, explains climate scientist Mika Rantanen from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

The resultant rising temperatures lead to more melting, reducing reflectivity and further intensifying climate change.

Ecosystem disruptions: The rapid melting threatens Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals, and impacts global weather patterns.

The self-reinforcing and accelerated warming cycle is a major concern for scientists, as it could push global temperatures beyond critical thresholds.

This developments highlights the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate GHG emissions and brainstorm adaptation and renewal strategies for the rapidly changing polar environments.